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Traditional Catholic Faith => Anσnymσus Posts Allowed => Topic started by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 12:20:28 AM

Title: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 12:20:28 AM
Hello I want to know what are the stances on corporeal punishment of yourself (Well not necessarily serious but just to idk) in wanting to be forgived (seriously)? 

I want to know if its alright or not and why?

I hate my stupid emotions ugh, I want to show that I mean it or something. The shame is really too painful and I want full validation in being forgiven as much as possible?
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 12:24:21 AM
-Are there any other valid methods of penalizing yourself if not that works to be forgiven or to eliminate the effects of the sin?
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 12:57:11 AM
Fasting on bread and water and abstaining from meat are a good place to start. Some priests recommend putting a pebble in your shoe. But anything more serious you must consult your regular Confessor before you proceed further. 
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 01:52:41 AM
Fasting on bread and water and abstaining from meat are a good place to start. Some priests recommend putting a pebble in your shoe. But anything more serious you must consult your regular Confessor before you proceed further.
Do not put a pebble in your shoe. It could permanently damage your foot, which would be a sin, especially if you can no longer provide for your family.
Instead, do what several retreat masters have suggested by cheerfully accepting all the trials and crosses that come with daily living.
Read the book of Job for good advice on how to accept the trials of life.
Study the book of Hosea if your wife has imperfections, and rejoice that she is not a prostitute.
Above all, give thanks and praise God for all things. Never curse.
When someone curses you, bless them.
When you receive bad news, bless the Lord as it could have been far worse.
Say short prayers throughout the day, like "Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner."

Increase your prayer life by saying prayers morning, noon, and night.
Ask your confessor to recommend good spiritual reading books.
Read the Epistles and Gospels that are appointed for the day.

In addition, start reading the Bible, especially the Psalms of David, and try to memorize certain passages so that you can pray them whenever you are tempted.

Above all, pray that you may not fall into temptation:

O Heavenly King, O Spirit of Truth, O Comforter, Who art everywhere present,
And fillest all things, Come and abide in us, Cleanse us of all impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.


Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Vintagewife3 on December 16, 2018, 03:39:56 AM
I don’t think the church condones corporal punishment for acts of penance like the ones who may be referring too. Fasting is a great way to practice self mortification, but you must not over do it. Just please be careful of your health. You should talk to your confessor how you feel! He could help add some comfort to you.

I second you upping your prayer life! A little more prayer never hurt anyone!
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Jaynek on December 16, 2018, 09:11:03 AM
I don’t think the church condones corporal punishment for acts of penance like the ones who may be referring too. 
Historically, this was an accepted and common practice up until relatively recently.  It was approved by the Church and a practice of many of the Saints of the past.  
However, in the case of the OP of this thread, it sounds like someone who does not understand the function of the Sacrament of Confession.  While performing the penance assigned by the priest is part of the Sacrament, there is no reason that this penance must be physical.  We receive forgiveness through Sacraments, not through corporal punishment.
As others have already said, this sort of penance should only be done under the guidance of a spiritual director.  
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Vintagewife3 on December 16, 2018, 09:25:18 AM
Yes! You’re right! I should have clarified that. Thank you!
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 11:13:20 AM
This must be sorted out by a spiritual director.  One person who punishes himself for sin may be acting nobly, while another might be exhibiting psychological issues.  That's what spiritual directors are for.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Ladislaus on December 16, 2018, 11:14:35 AM
This must be sorted out by a spiritual director.  One person who punishes himself for sin may be acting nobly, while another might be exhibiting psychological issues.  That's what spiritual directors are for.

This was posted by me.  Self-punishment for sin could in fact involve a veiled pride, just as low self-esteem is often from pride.  Spiritual directors should discern between the two given their knowledge of the soul in question.  So you'll not get an answer to this here on CI.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Ladislaus on December 16, 2018, 11:16:07 AM
Fasting on bread and water and abstaining from meat are a good place to start. Some priests recommend putting a pebble in your shoe. But anything more serious you must consult your regular Confessor before you proceed further.

I would go a step further.  Even fasting beyond what is required by the Church should take place under the guidance of a spiritual director / Confessor.  I've known people who were practically neurotic with regard to self-punishment even in the form of fasting.  That's why the rule of St. Benedict generally forbade doing things beyond what their rule of life required.  Often it comes from pride.  When you fast according to Church law, this is done under obedience.  Otherwise, the motives might in fact be harmful.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 12:22:33 PM
I would go a step further.  Even fasting beyond what is required by the Church should take place under the guidance of a spiritual director / Confessor.  I've known people who were practically neurotic with regard to self-punishment even in the form of fasting.  That's why the rule of St. Benedict generally forbade doing things beyond what their rule of life required.  Often it comes from pride.  When you fast according to Church law, this is done under obedience.  Otherwise, the motives might in fact be harmful.
Anorexia comes to mind as that is fasting beyond what is healthy for body, mind, and soul.
Yes, it is a mental illness, but is it not fueled by pride?
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 02:57:18 PM
Hello I want to know what are the stances on corporeal punishment of yourself (Well not necessarily serious but just to idk) in wanting to be forgived (seriously)?

I want to know if its alright or not and why?

I hate my stupid emotions ugh, I want to show that I mean it or something. The shame is really too painful and I want full validation in being forgiven as much as possible?

Quote
Yes, it is a mental illness, but is it not fueled by pride?
The OP certainly sounds proud and also ignorant of the nature and meaning of the sacrament of confession. I suspect OP is very young.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 05:43:17 PM
Penance has nothing to do with validation of being forgiven; it's related to the temporal punishment due to sin.  If one has the proper dispositions in Confession, one is assured of forgiveness even if some temporal punishment remains.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Ladislaus on December 16, 2018, 05:45:20 PM
Penance has nothing to do with validation of being forgiven; it's related to the temporal punishment due to sin.  If one has the proper dispositions in Confession, one is assured of forgiveness even if some temporal punishment remains.

I posted this.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: MaterDominici on December 16, 2018, 09:28:33 PM
Instead, do what several retreat masters have suggested by cheerfully accepting all the trials and crosses that come with daily living.
Read the book of Job for good advice on how to accept the trials of life.
Study the book of Hosea if your wife has imperfections, and rejoice that she is not a prostitute.
Above all, give thanks and praise God for all things. Never curse.
When someone curses you, bless them.
When you receive bad news, bless the Lord as it could have been far worse.
Say short prayers throughout the day, like "Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner."

Increase your prayer life by saying prayers morning, noon, and night.
Ask your confessor to recommend good spiritual reading books.
Read the Epistles and Gospels that are appointed for the day.

In addition, start reading the Bible, especially the Psalms of David, and try to memorize certain passages so that you can pray them whenever you are tempted.

Above all, pray that you may not fall into temptation:

O Heavenly King, O Spirit of Truth, O Comforter, Who art everywhere present,
And fillest all things, Come and abide in us, Cleanse us of all impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.
This is good. Mastering this list is probably much more difficult than any corporal punishment your confessor would approve.
Title: Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
Post by: Änσnymσus on December 16, 2018, 09:35:17 PM
This is good. Mastering this list is probably much more difficult than any corporal punishment your confessor would approve.
.
Or, just try sticking to a daily schedule, a set wake & sleep schedule - that can be a great penance. Or, sticking to a healthy diet & no snacking in between meals.  Things like that can be harder & better penances than scourging oneself.